Women’s Philanthropy

Your place to inspire, help and connect.

Who are the women of Women’s Philanthropy?

Well, we’re you. We’re compassionate and committed women representing every stage of life, who are dedicated to being changemakers and community builders. We love connecting with one another, honoring traditions, trying new things, lending a hand and ensuring that everyone in our community is taken care of and feels like part of the family.

Let us know what you’re interested in here

Women’s Philanthropy. Your Way.

In whatever way you’re inspired to get involved — from hands-on volunteering and leadership opportunities to networking events and learning about communities all over the world — our events and programs are the perfect way to make meaningful connections and memories.

Jewish Working Women’s Network (JWWN)

JWWN provides engaging and educational programs as well as networking opportunities for Jewish working women in our community.

JWWN offers:

  • A Facebook page of more 2,000 members who actively post and share referrals, job listings, recommendations and resources as well as a LinkedIn page.
  • Pure Networking events that bring together women from around Metro Detroit to meet new clients, find new employment opportunities and new make personal and professional connections.
  • Recent JWWN programs include Help Level the Paying Field: An Equal Pay Day Primer; as well as our Pure Networking events. Future programs include a special leadership program called Level Up: A Women’s Business Accelerator starting in October 2023.

To learn more about JWWN, contact Marianne Bloomberg at bloomberg@jfmd.org | 248.642.4611

Young Women’s Philanthropy (YWP)

YWP welcomes women who are interested in growing their connection to our Jewish community. Whether you’re looking for what’s next after NEXTGen Detroit or this is your first time getting involved with the Jewish Federation, YWP is ready to help you find meaningful ways to connect socially and educationally to other young Jewish women.

Here are a few of our recent YWP events:

  • Succulent planting at Goldner Walsh.
  • A night of beauty inspiration at Todd’s Room.
  • Parenting expert Julie Fisher discussed tweens/teens and social media use.
  • Mixology class on the roof of Social Kitchen.

To learn more, contact Jodi Feld at feld@jfmd.org | 248-833-2512

Up Next

Up Next is our stage-of-life group for women who are entering that chapter of life where the list of responsibilities is a bit shorter and precious “me time” is finally more plentiful. There’s no better time to pursue what’s next — from new interests and community service to traveling and connecting with others — and we’re here to help make it happen for you!

Here are a few of our recent Up Next events:

  • Guided walking tours of Eastern Market murals
  • Social happy hours at local hot spots
  • Cooking and entertaining demos with local chefs

To learn more, contact Amy Wayne at awayne@jfmd.org | 248-203-1483

Volunteer with Us

If you love giving your time and talents to great causes, then you’re going to love TOV! Women’s Philanthropy’s Tikkun Olam Volunteers (TOV) plans one-time, hands-on volunteer opportunities that benefit people and places making a difference throughout our community.

Here are a few of our recent TOV events:

  • Preparing holiday packages for Jewish seniors
  • Collecting household items and other essentials
  • Soup and diaper drives for local non-profits
  • Volunteering at Bookstock

To learn more, contact Amy Wayne at awayne@jfmd.org | 248-203-1483

Travel Opportunities

There’s nothing quite like traveling with like-minded women and experiencing first-hand the sights, sounds, tastes and cultures of Jewish communities all over the world. Whether we’re flying to the other side of the globe or road tripping across the country, traveling with Women’s Philanthropy means you’re in for an immersive, educational experience that is sure to inspire.

Here are a few of our recent trips:

  • Civil Rights Journey to Alabama and Atlanta
  • Mosaic Mission to Israel

Why Make a Gift with Women’s Philanthropy?

Federation’s Women’s Philanthropy is made up of over 4,000 generous, motivated women who raise nearly $7 million annually for Federation’s Annual Campaign. This represents over 18% of the total campaign achievement!

As we work together to take care of our fellow Jews, every gift matters. By making a gift in your own name, a gift that is distinctly and independently yours, you:

  • Create social justice, aid the vulnerable, preserve human dignity and strengthen Jewish identity
  • Forge a connection to the Jewish community that is deeply personal and incredibly powerful
  • Act as a role model to thousands of other women and inspire the next generation to stand up and be counted

Upcoming Events

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Meet the Women Who Are Helping to Make It Happen

The Women’s Philanthropy Board of Directors is made up of approximately 150 women who come from a wide range of backgrounds, professions and are in different stages of their lives. But they all have one very important thing in common and that’s their commitment to building a strong, vibrant Jewish future here in Detroit, Israel and around the world.

Women’s Philanthropy Executive Board 2022-2023
Women’s Philanthropy Past Presidents Photo, 2022 Annual Meeting
Sherrie Singer

Sherrie Singer, President

“I feel so fortunate to be a part of our amazing Detroit Jewish community. Women’s Philanthropy has played such an important role in my life and has encouraged inspired so many other women to be passionate about helping others in our community, our nation and our world. Detroit truly is a special place because of its people!”

Sherrie moved to Detroit from her hometown of Indianapolis in 1994, and she’s been passionate about the Detroit Jewish Community ever since. In additional to her many leadership roles through at the Jewish Federation, Sherrie is also a Wexner Fellow and a graduate of Shalom Hartman’s Community Leadership Program. She lives in Birmingham Keego Harbor with her camp sweetheart and husband Danny Singer, their two sons Ari and Gabe and puppy Winston. 

Nancy Glen

Nancy Glen, Campaign Chair

“I am inspired by individuals who understand the importance of listening and supporting others. My grandfather (z”l) liked to invoke a Jewish ethical teaching that a wise person listens and learns from all people, that everyone has a voice, and everyone’s voice matters. I try to be guided by this principle.”

Nancy is a true Michigander having grown up in Southfield, attended MSU and U of D Law School before settling down with her husband, Ralph and their three (now grown) children in Huntington Woods. Her long-time involvement with Federation includes leadership roles in the Women’s Philanthropy, Strategic Planning and Israel and Overseas departments. She currently sits on Federation’s Board of Governors and the Partnership2Gether Committee.

Shelly Rubenfire, Associate Campaign Chair

“My mother and grandmother taught me the importance of getting involved and building Jewish community. I have tried to pass on these values to my children and feel privileged to work with Detroit Federation to ensure that everyone in our community is able to live a life of dignity, happiness and fulfillment.”

In addition to leadership roles with Women’s Philanthropy, Shelly is a past Board Chair of BBYO – Michigan Region, served twice as Chair of Housing for the JCC Maccabi Games and member of the On Board Leadership Cohort. Shelly is a life-long Detroiter and lives in West Bloomfield with her husband, Mark. They are incredibly proud of their three grown sons, Jason, Adam and Brett and future daughter-in-law, Meredith.

Contact us for more Information

  • Amy Wayne
  • Associate Director, Women’s Philanthropy
  • awayne@jfmd.org
  • 248-203-1483
  • Lauren Soifer
  • Associate Director, Women’s Philanthropy
  • soifer@jfmd.org
  • 248-203-1480
  • Marianne Bloomberg
  • Associate Director, Philanthropic Engagement
  • bloomberg@jfmd.org
  • 248-642-4611
  • Jodi Feld
  • Associate Director, Affinities Department
  • feld@jfmd.org
  • 248-833-2512